EPL: Peter Crouch Could Be Returning to Liverpool Under New Boss Hodgson

Peter Crouch could be returning to his old stomping grounds at Anfield as Roy Hodgson begins his summer spending. His current manager at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp is eager to raise transfer funds by selling off the 29-year-old striker. Hodgson is said to have been a long-time admirer of former Liverpool frontman and twice tried to sign Crouch as Fulham manager, but he lost out to Redknapp who brought the gangly forward to both Portsmouth and later Spurs.

Crouch left Liverpool in the summer of 2008 as then manager Rafael Benítez could not promise the 6'7" striker a guaranteed starting place. His starting opportunities were cut down as Ryan Babel and even Andriy Voronin were preferred over the towering striker. When Crouch actually did get onto the pitch in his final season with the club, it was for short 20-minute cameos.

Hodgson has spoken of his to desire to acquire English players who know about the club and Crouch could be his first signing since taking over from Benítez. Redknapp is desperate to sell both Crouch and fellow former Red Robbie Keane in an attempt to raise funds for his own transfer plans. Tottenham have been linked with big money moves for Uruguayan stars Diego Forlán and Luis Suárez and have been heavily rumored to be targeting versatile Man City attacker Craig Bellamy.

Crouch was a favourite amongst teammates and supporters alike during his three year spell at Anfield. He shared a terrific understanding with Steven Gerrard as Crouch would head balls into Gerrard's path for long-range efforts on goal. Others who previously worked alongside him previously like Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres would be delighted if the popular foward returned.

The move would be welcomed by the Kop faithful as Crouch became a cult hero after ending a prolonged goal spell during his debut season with Liverpool. He went on to feature in many of Liverpool's famous Champions League victories, contributed greatly in their 2006 FA Cup final triumph over West Ham and famously scored a "perfect hat-trick" against Arsenal.

Hodgson is keen to make his mark as Liverpool manager and the arrival of Peter Crouch could begin the flow of English players joining him at Anfield.